The Best Natural Mosquito Repellent Recipes

Mosquitoes are pesky little creatures, but you can fight them naturally. Photo by Alvesgaspar

Mosquitoes are pesky creatures that can quickly ruin outdoor time and make someone stay indoors all summer long. If you are a mosquito-attractor like I am, you will find these natural mosquito repellent recipes to be a lifesaver for outdoor time!

Super Easy with No Prep

If you’re anything like me, you don’t remember to think about bug spray until you are headed out the door at dusk-or worse, at the venue slapping your arms and legs. Luckily, these recipes are ridiculously simple, and quite effective at fighting off all but the most intense mosquito waves.

Basil and peppermint are cousin plants, which is why they are both effective at fighting mosquitoes. A 2000 study published in Bioresource Technology tested the effectiveness of peppermint oil on mosquitoes and found that peppermint oil applied to the skin kept away 100 percent of one species of mosquito, 92 percent of another, and 84 percent of a third. The oil added to water also killed mosquito larva. So, if you have nothing else lying around, rub some peppermint oil on the skin or even rub a peppermint or basil leaf on the skin.

Lavender can also repel mosquitoes. Simply rub lavender essential oil on the skin and you’re good to go. Lavender is also soothing after bug bites, so apply it to the skin if you or a family member gets bit by any insect.

Medium Prep Mosquito Sprays

Scratch Mommy has created a 4-ingredient mosquito repellent containing geranium oil, tea-tree oil, and vegetable glycerin. She also says it prevents attacks from many other bugs, which could be particularly helpful while camping.

Joybilee Farm has an 8 essential oil blend which mixes the most powerful mosquito-fighting essential oils all in one place.

For the ultimate bug-fighting blend, mix up some Thieves’ Blend bug spray. This mixture requires about a 3-week prep time and has a strong vinegar base, so it is quite stinky, but from all reports, it is highly effective at fighting off a variety of bugs (even internal ones, this recipe was taken internally to fight against the Black Plague).

Using Natural Methods to Fight Mosquitoes

Natural methods can be highly effective at fighting off bugs without causing chemical damage to plants or people.